Kinect for Xbox One health and safety guidelines

Kinect and children

Determine how each child will be allowed to use the sensor (playing games, chatting or video messaging with other players online) and whether they should be supervised during these activities.

If you plan to allow children to use the sensor without supervision, first explain all relevant safety and health information and instructions.

Make sure children using Kinect for Xbox One play safely and within their limits, and make sure they understand how to use the system.

Make sure you have enough space to move freely

Gameplay with your Kinect for Xbox One sensor requires varying amounts of movement, depending on the game. Make sure you won’t hit, run into, or trip over other players, bystanders, pets, furniture, or other objects when playing. If you will be standing and/or moving during gameplay, you will also need good footing.

Before playing:

Look in all directions (right, left, forward, backward, down, and up) for things you might hit or trip over.

Make sure there is nothing you might trip on—toys, furniture, or loose rugs, for example. Also, be aware of children and pets in the area. If necessary, move things out of the play space.

Don’t forget to look up. Be aware of light fixtures, fans, and other objects overhead when assessing the play space.

While playing:

Stay far enough away from the television to avoid contact.

Keep sufficient distance from other players, bystanders, and pets. This distance may vary by game, so take account of how you are playing when determining how far away you need to be.

Stay alert for objects or people you might hit or trip on. People and objects may move into the area during gameplay, so always be alert to your surroundings.

Make sure you always have good footing while playing:

Play on a level floor with enough traction for game activities.

Make sure you have appropriate footwear for gaming (no high heels, flip flops, etc.) or are barefoot, if appropriate.

Arrange all cables and cords so that people and pets are not likely to trip over or accidentally pull on them as they move around or through the area. When the sensor and console aren’t in use, you may need to disconnect all cables and cords from the sensor and console to keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Don’t allow children to play with cables and cords.

Avoid glare

To minimize eye strain from glare, try the following:

Position yourself at a comfortable distance from your television or monitor and the Kinect for Xbox One sensor.

Place your television or monitor and Kinect for Xbox One sensor away from light sources that produce glare, or use window blinds to control light levels.

Photosensitive seizures

A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to certain visual images, including flashing lights or patterns that may appear in video games. Even people who have no history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause these "photosensitive epileptic seizures" while watching video games. These seizures may have a variety of symptoms, including lightheadedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion, or momentary loss of awareness. Seizures may also cause loss of consciousness or convulsions that can lead to injury from falling down or striking nearby objects. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately stop playing and consult a doctor.

Parents should watch for or ask their children about the above symptoms, as children and teenagers are more likely than adults to experience these seizures. The risk of photosensitive epileptic seizures may be reduced by taking the following precautions:

Sit farther from the screen

Use a smaller screen

Play in a well-lit room

Don't play when you're drowsy or fatigued

If you or any of your relatives have a history of seizures or epilepsy, consult a doctor before playing.

USB cable safety

To avoid damaging the USB/power cable:

Prevent the cable from being stepped on.

Don’t jerk, knot, sharply bend, or otherwise abuse the cable.

Don’t expose the cable to sources of heat.

Keep children and pets away from the cable. Don’t allow them to bite or chew on the cable.

When disconnecting the cable, pull on the plug—do not pull on the cable.

If the USB/power cable becomes damaged in any way, stop using it immediately and contact Xbox Support for a replacement.

Unplug your Xbox power cable during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Don’t over-exert yourself

Gameplay with the Kinect for Xbox One sensor may require varying amounts of physical activity.

Consult a doctor before using the sensor if you have any medical condition or issue that affects your ability to safely perform physical activities, or if:

You are or may be pregnant.

You have heart, respiratory, back, joint, or other orthopedic conditions.

You have high blood pressure.

You have difficulty with physical exercise.

You have been instructed to restrict physical activity.

Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine or fitness regimen that includes using your sensor.

Don't play under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and make sure your balance and physical abilities are sufficient for any movements while gaming.

Take breaks periodically

Stop and rest if your muscles, joints, or eyes become tired or sore.

If you experience excessive fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, discomfort, or pain, STOP PLAYING IMMEDIATELY and consult a doctor.

Don't use unlicensed accessories with Kinect for Xbox One

Use of unauthorized accessories or objects may result in injury to yourself or others or damage to the sensor or other property. Using unauthorized accessories violates the Software License and may void your Limited Warranty.

Note If the information on this page hasn't answered your questions, or if you have additional concerns about Kinect for Xbox One safety, contact Xbox Support.